Compromising Kessen (Vandenbrook #1)(68)

“Okay.”

He cupped her face with one of his hands and gently leaned down to brush his lips across hers. “Let’s go.”

She’d be a fool not to follow. Keeping silent as they walked outside was relatively easy, considering the drug-like effect she experienced the minute he kissed her.

They walked in silence all the way through the back garden until they came to a small blanket with champagne and bread.

“Sit,” he ordered softly.

She obeyed.

He poured two glasses of champagne, and then reached into the picnic basket. “Close your eyes.”

“But—”

“Close them.” His voice was sterner this time.

She did as she was told and waited, but nothing happened. Then she heard the rustling of pages and Christian clearing his throat.

“It wasn’t that George was particularly fond of Miranda; he merely had a mild interest in her welfare. At least that’s what he told himself every time he followed her into the garden. And every time he left to go his separate way, he would say it would be the last time.

“This pattern continued for two years. Each night he would follow her into the garden, and each night he would return alone.

“Until one cold December evening. The masquerade had just ended, and Miranda was sitting alone on the bench. He knew he shouldn’t. He was needed elsewhere. But he couldn’t pull himself away. Not with Miranda looking so sad and vulnerable. He had to do something, but what?“

Kessen opened her eyes. “You’re reading to me.”

Christian was against the only tree in the garden, with a lazy smile plastered across his face “That I am.”

“Why?”

“Because I promised.”

Kessen moved to lean against him. “You promised you would read one line if I behaved. You just read two paragraphs at least.”

Christian put his arm around her. “What can I say? I’m a man full of surprises, and I have it on good authority this one’s your favorite.”

She chuckled. “Nick being the good authority?”

“Naturally.”

She made the mistake of looking into Christian’s eyes. “Thank you.”

He kissed her chastely on the forehead. “It’s always my pleasure to serve my lady. Shall we continue?”

She nodded and closed her eyes, allowing the sweet melody of his voice to drown out any nerves and fears she had been feeling that night.

For once it was just him and her.

They were together, beneath the moonlight. The night was absolutely perfect; what could go wrong?

It’s not that she was superstitious, but something had to give. The second she closed her eyes and thought those dangerous thoughts, a shrill laugh rang through the garden.

“So,” the high-pitched voice said. “Let me guess. He took you to the garden, seduced you with his words. Next he’s going to take you in the cottage and tell you there’s no one he’d rather have but you … or wait. Has he already said that?”

The voice was coming closer. Christian had gone still as a statue behind Kessen. She looked from left to right to try to locate the source of the voice but found nothing.

Then a flashlight waved in front of her face and she turned around. The person, or lady, was dressed in all black and leaning against the tree as well.

“I don’t think we’ve met, Kessen. I’m Jenifer Hanford.”

“Go away,” Christian barked.

“Oh, not when we’re having such a fun little chat.” Her voice went all pouty as she leaned closer to Kessen. Her face was perfect. In fact, it was more than perfect. It didn’t seem real. Plastic surgery must have been kind to this woman. Kessen had no idea if she was in her twenties or forties.

“You do know how Christian works, don’t you? He wines and dines his women, teases them with witty banter and then leaves them … just like he left me.”

Christian muttered a curse word, then pushed up from the ground. “How dare you come into my house and say that! We weren’t a good match, Jenifer. I liked you well enough, but I could never love you. You knew that! I told you it was over. Why can’t you just leave well enough alone?”

“I’m pregnant.” Jenifer’s voice was like a knife through Kessen’s heart. It was too much. She felt paralyzed in shock, as if making any sudden movement would make that statement more real than it already was.

“That’s impossible,” Christian snarled.

“Oh, is it?”

“Yes, yes it is, because we never slept together!”

Kessen wasn’t sure if he was lying, or if Jenifer was lying. She looked at the two of them and waited.

Jenifer spoke first. “Who do you think the media’s going to believe, Christian? Me or you? After all, your reputation and that of your family precedes you. All I need to do is go tell Daddy you took advantage of me, and we’re as good as married.”

“Why?” His voice cracked. “Why, Jenifer? Why would you do that to me?”

Her eyes turned red with fury. “Because you’re mine! You’ve always been mine! I almost had you until she came along!” Jenifer pointed in Kessen’s direction. “You would never have broken up with me if it hadn’t been for her!”

“Jenifer, it was over before she even came here.”